@70monte
- You go ahead and keep believing that the PK "Lil & Cookmore" grids were always made in China. Not so!
- They switched to China manufacture when they supposedly shifted from "nickel plated steel" to "stainless steel". Most liky at PK360 rollout.
- First set of PK extend grids I bought showed up rusty and dipping process defects. PK offered to replace said no thanks that was 4 plus years ago. They were nickel plated steel.
You and I had this discussion on another forum. You indicated the were now SS. I contacted PK they (PK) said yes they are made out of SS. I replied good to know and asked if still made in the US? PK replied unfortunately "No" cost prohibitive. You can go out on PK's website and Amazons and still find conflicting info. Much to PK's credit they are cleaning up the confusion on their site and Amazon stores also.
- The only cast molding issues concerning the PK that I have seen and heard about are with the 360 (multiple pics on the other forum you and I have communicated on). However I do not doubt that the PKO may have had issues. Molds only last so long.
- Trying to compare a PK 360 to a Hastybake is a futile effort. Different animals, Different contruction. Only legit comparison is comparitive age of manufactures 1952 to 1948.
- Comparing a Hastybake to an M1 which we both have is a less futile effort but much closer in design and purpose. M1 wins just about everything in that comparison. But as usual knowing your cookers idiosyncrasies, fire management and lets not forget the cook can lead to spectacular results on both.
- Concerning your Hastybake extend grids sorry yours are not working out for you. Mine have been petfect no peeling nothing. Good purchase for me no remorse. It's not a zero defect world my PK grids were garbage and sounds like your Hastybake grids were the same. BTW have you mentioned that issue to Nick, he is pretty user friendly.
Here is an example of the confusion:
https://www.amazon.com/PK-Grills-PK99020-Cooking-Standard/dp/B0006ZUHTS
- Adding some more confusion: